- speakermikeghouse@gmail.com
- A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
A 30-Year Commitment to Pluralism and Civic Dialogue
Building Understanding Across Differences Since 1996
For nearly three decades, the Center for Pluralism has worked to bring people together across faiths, cultures, races, and communities—creating spaces for dialogue, understanding, and shared civic engagement. Since 1996, the organization has served as a platform where differences are respected, conversations are encouraged, and common ground is actively built.
Through its ongoing initiatives, public programs, community efforts, workshops, and lectures the Center continues to advance the values of pluralism in an increasingly diverse world. Its work reflects a long-standing commitment to unity, mutual respect, and the belief that meaningful dialogue is essential to a stronger and more inclusive society.
"In a decade, every aspect of public life will reflect diversity, with people of various faiths, races, and ethnicities interacting and coexisting."
However, these interactions may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, which we must work to prevent. Individuals should feel secure in their faith, culture, gender, race, sexual orientation, and ethnicity.
Phobias and biases often stem from learned behaviors and societal influences. As responsible individuals, we must challenge stereotypes and foster smoother societal functioning, whether in the workplace or neighborhoods. Reassurance is needed to uphold the American way of life and protect our shared values enshrined in the Constitution.
Ultimately, our peace and security depend on the well-being of those around us. The Center for Pluralism remains committed to uniting Americans of diverse backgrounds and ensuring a safe and secure future for all.
Religious Freedom
We have advocated for religious freedom worldwide and signed over 200 letters addressed to the President and the U.S. Department of State. We have also reached out to foreign governments, urging them to stop the persecution of their minority populations.
We are fortunate to have taken a stand for the rights of our fellow humans, including, but not limited to, Baha'is, Buddhists, Christians, Dalits, Falun Dafa, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Unificationists, Wiccans, Zoroastrians, and individuals of all other faiths, as well as atheists, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community, in support of their civil rights.
Standing up for the religious freedom of others is the right thing to do. Every person experiences times of strength and vulnerability. If we do not stand up for those who are vulnerable, who will stand up for us when we find ourselves in need?
Our work includes a variety of activities, from small protests to larger demonstrations, petitions, letters, and other forms of action.
About Center for Pluralism
Introducing a cohesive society where every member, regardless of ethnicity, faith, culture, political affiliation, or sexual orientation, feels secure and accepted within their community or nation.
Our scope of work is standing up for the human rights and religious freedom of people across the world. Practice, teach, write, speak and do workshops on Pluralism in religion, politics, society, and the workplace.
We are an applied research organization. Our work produces results through workshops in implementing the research, conducting seminars, and organizing symposiums on burning topics of the day that affect Americans. We are all about action and leadership
Building a society where every individual is respected, every voice is heard, and pluralism is practiced through action, dialogue, and leadership, because this work belongs to all of us.
Dr. Mike Ghouse - PROGRESSIVE WEDDING OFFICIANT
Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse is one of America’s most respected interfaith wedding officiants, known for bringing people together across faiths, cultures, races, and traditions through meaningful and inclusive wedding ceremonies. With over 17 years of experience and more than 600 weddings officiated, Dr. Ghouse has helped couples worldwide celebrate love with dignity, harmony, and understanding.
From interfaith, civil, secular, Nikah, Nikah Plus, and light religious ceremonies to virtual weddings, destination weddings, and personalized celebrations at unique locations — including beaches, gardens, private venues, and even Disneyland-style dream settings — Dr. Ghouse creates unforgettable ceremonies tailored to each couple’s story, beliefs, and values.
A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Centre for pluralism a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization (NGO) approved by IRS effective Nov 17, 2011, your donations are tax-deductible. Center for Pluralism is also known as the America Together Foundation
What is Pluralism
Pluralism fosters a culture of respect for diversity, embracing the inherent uniqueness of each individual without the need for conformity or change. It acknowledges that diversity is woven into the fabric of humanity, from our distinct physical traits to our varied cultural backgrounds and beliefs. This acceptance of diversity is fundamental to fostering harmony within societies, allowing individuals to feel secure in their ethnicity, religion, political orientation, and more.
At the core of pluralism is the understanding that each person is created uniquely, with individual characteristics that distinguish them from others. This recognition extends to the diverse races, communities, and religions that populate the world. By embracing this diversity and striving for harmony, societies can fulfill their purpose of providing security and acceptance for all members, regardless of their differences. Ultimately, pluralism encourages individuals to live authentically and without regrets, acknowledging the beauty of God's diverse creation.
Founded on the belief that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to live authentically, the Center for Pluralism has grown from a grassroots interfaith initiative into a global voice for religious freedom, human rights, and inclusive societies. Since its early beginnings as the Foundation for Pluralism in 1996, the organization has worked to build bridges between people of different faiths, cultures, political views, and backgrounds by promoting dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Today, the Center for Pluralism advances pluralism in religion, politics, society, and the workplace through education, advocacy, community engagement, and public discourse. Guided by the principle of “respecting the otherness of the other,” the Center continues to foster meaningful conversations, defend human dignity, and create spaces where differences are not feared, but valued as strengths that unite humanity.
Shaping America Through Dialogue, Ideas & Civic Engagement
Through his groundbreaking book, American Muslim Agenda: Muslims Together Building a Cohesive America, Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse presents a vision for an America strengthened by pluralism, mutual respect, civic responsibility, and inclusive dialogue. The book reflects decades of advocacy, interfaith engagement, and community-building efforts aimed at fostering a more cohesive and compassionate society.
Over the years, Dr. Ghouse has shared the book with civic leaders, policymakers, faith leaders, educators, and influential voices across the United States, helping advance meaningful conversations about unity, religious freedom, and the shared future of all Americans. These moments represent more than photographs — they reflect a growing movement committed to building bridges across faiths, cultures, and communities.
A cohesive America is built when every community feels respected, heard, and valued
Our Mission
To build cohesive societies and open people’s hearts, minds, and souls toward each other, and live in harmony.
Our Vision
To see every human feel secure about his/her faith, ethnicity, race, political and sexual orientation, or any other uniqueness.
Our Goal
To bring individuals and communities together who are different and also polar opposites. The more we learn about each other, fewer the conflicts.
CFP Mantras
If we can learn to respect the otherness of the other, and accept the God-given (or given) uniqueness of each other, then conflicts fade, and solutions emerge.
We do condemn what is wrong and appreciate what is good – However, we follow Mother Teresa’s wisdom, if you want to make peace with your enemies, she said, go talk with them, and we do.
We have the systems and programs in place to accomplish our mission and we bring good things to fellow Americans.
We are about Conflict Mitigation and goodwill nurturance (R).
We reach out to the people on the extreme right and left in faith and politics.
Our work focuses on opening people’s hearts and minds toward fellow humans.
The Interview with Frank Islam
In this insightful conversation with Frank Islam on Washington Current Review, Dr. Mike Ghouse shares his vision for pluralism, interfaith understanding, and building cohesive societies rooted in respect, dignity, and inclusion.
Topics Discussed:
The true meaning of pluralism and respecting the “otherness” of others
How interfaith dialogue builds understanding instead of division
The role of religion in promoting peace and coexistence
The importance of uplifting communities through education and opportunity
Countering extremism through education, compassion, and civic responsibility
Why inclusive leadership matters in modern democracies
Drawing inspiration from Prophet Muhammad, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus Christ, Buddha, and other global leaders of peace, Dr. Ghouse emphasizes that every faith tradition ultimately seeks harmony, justice, and human dignity.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that diversity is not a weakness — it is humanity’s greatest strength.
What makes someone ‘truly’ belong in a country? Views differ on language, birthplace, other factors
